Night Operations Tactical Warfare

Dramatic images of armed soldiers in dark environments, utilizing rifles and handguns, showcasing action, stealth, and intensity in military settings.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier in the rain.

Army elite troops marksman, special operations forces sniper wearing mask and glasses, night-vision or infrared thermal imaging device on helmet, holding service rifle with optical sight and silencer. Army marksman with sniper rifle in darkness

Police SWAT team fighter aiming pistol while sneaking in the darkness.

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier in the rain.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Sebastian Islasottone, a Jacksonville, Florida native, infantry Marine with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, provides suppressive fire using simulated rounds on an M27 rifle during a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24 at Range 220, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 21, 2024. MWX is the culminating event for SLTE 2-24 that improves U.S. and allied service members operational capabilities and lethality as a MAGTF. Marine Corps

Studio shot of U.S. Marine pointing rifle, surrounded by smoke.

Spec ops police officer SWAT in black uniform and face mask studio shot. Spec ops police officer SWAT

Green Berets U.S. Army Special Forces Group soldier in the rain.

Close-up of a special forces soldier in baseball cap, pointing rifle.

Shoulder portrait of army elite troops soldier, anti-terrorist tactical team wit shotgun, helmet with thermal imager, hiding face behind mask, armed rifle with optical scope, studio shoot on black. Army elite troops soldier low key studio portrait

Special forces operator pointing weapon in the dark.

Green Berets US Army Special Forces Group soldier in the rain. US Army soldier in the rain

Silhouette of a U.S. Marine Corps Marsoc raider with weapon, blue background.

Half length, low key portrait of elite commando fighter, professional mercenary hiding identity behind mask, glasses, standing in darkness with mini submachine gun in hands, wearing nigh-vision device. Portrait of elite commando fighter in darkness

Pair of Army soldiers attacking. Backlit contour shot.

Special forces fighter armed with submachine gun, looking through night vision goggles.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Melinda Shipley, an aerospace medical services specialist assigned to the 178th Wing Medical Group, takes on the role of an enemy combatant June 6, 2022 for a medical readiness exercise during Agile Rage 22 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan. Agile Combat Employment is not a specific mission, but a universal application to all combat Air Force operations; it's the ability to project combat power anytime and anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision-making process.

Spec ops soldier on black background with shotgun

A U.S. Marine with 3d Marine Division provides security during a squad competition at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Okinawa, Japan, May 25, 2022. The week-long competition was held to test squads from across the Marine Corps in their mastery of warfighting skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

Special forces soldier shooting targets on fiery background with water droplets.

Black silhouettes of pair of soldiers in the burning fire during a battle operation.

Green Berets Special Forces Group soldiers in the jungle.

Nuclear post apocalypse. Studio shot of survivor with weapons and gas mask. Studio shot nuclear survivor with weapons

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Stephen Rotton, a special missions aviator with 40th Helicopter Squadron from Malmstrom Air Force Base Great Falls, Montana, fires down range at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, May 4, 2022. Garnet Rattler is a joint training exercise between elements of the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force to conduct simulated sea control operations and joint time on target strikes.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jessee Argento, an engineer equipment mechanic with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, fires an M16A4 service rifle during a table three through six and combat marksmanship program range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 15, 2022. The purpose of the range was to improve the battalion's organic combat marksmanship capabilities and to train the core position safety officers for subsequent company ranges. 3rd MLG based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Special operations soldier equipped with night vision device and rifle, howing freeze hand signal.

Nuclear post apocalypse. Studio shot of survivor with weapons and gas mask. Studio shot nuclear survivor with weapons

During a final phase of training, the Idaho Army National Guard Sniper Team was required to move to a location without detection, set up a firing position in a covered facility, identify a target and possible hostage and neutralize the target. After firing the team was then tasked with leaving the secured facility without detection.While commonly known as snipers, the official term used by U.S.Army is designated marksman. The U.S. Army Sniper Course is a seven-week training course at Fort Benning. With most formal training courses, skill training is an ongoing process throughout the year. The snipers of the 2-116th CAB trained for a full week separate from the main body of units in the field during annual training 2022. Their training encompassed individual qualifications, timed shooting exercises and movement to a covered location without being detected, identifying adversaries, engagement and withdrawal without being sighted. U.S.Army, Idaho Army National Guard, Sniper, I

Backlit photo of a soldier moving amonst the smoke during a battle operation.

Sniper aiming and shooting from a hiding place, especially accurately and at long range, war concept

Silhouette of three soldiers attacking enemy while surrounded by fire and smoke.

Police SWAT team fighter aiming pistol while sneaking in the darkness.

A crew member of a CH-3 helicopter looks through the face shield of his Chemical Warfare Defense Equipment (CWDE) while participating in a new generation equipment test. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Christopher McFedries checks his decontamination kit while wearing his chemical suit during the operational readiness inspection at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Ingersoll)

Soldier, military and battlefield with explosion, conflict and combat with army, violence and warrior. Warzone, service or mission with gear, fight or people outdoor, bomb or hero with defence or gun

U.S. Marine CorpsSgt. Kyle Perschka, an explosive ordinance technician with Marine Rational Force - Europe, provides security during a breaching and clearing mission to display interoperability with allies and partner nations prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in collaboration with NATO allies and partners, gear up for the Nordic Response 24a biennial NATO training exercise designed to advance arctic security, boost global readiness, and promote interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. Marine Corps

Spec ops police officer SWAT making his way through the fire with rifle drawn.

030919-F-4350W-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Portrait of man in shooting gallery doing training, learning proper semiautomatic weapons holding etiquette, wearing protective headset. Person practicing with rifle, wearing safety ear muffins

Police special reaction team aiming guns while moving forward under cover of ballistic shield on a raid.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Brewer, a CH-47F Chinook crew chief with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, prepares for flight operations during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Ladd Army Airfield, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 28, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

220608-N-LP924-1187 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 8, 2022) U.S. Coast Guardsmen from Maritime Safety Response Team West (MSRT-W) conduct helicopter visit, board, search and seizure (HVBSS) training off the coast of San Diego. During Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific (HSCWSP) quarterly exercise PHOENIX TRIDENT ASSAULT, MSRT-W and squadrons from Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific (HSCWP) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific (HSMWP) conducted HVBSS to board and secure vessels that were under the control of state sponsored terrorists.

Special weapons and tactics team (SWAT) officer silouette in the fog

Studio shot of a nuclear post apocalypse survivor in tatters.

Black silhouette of soldiers at night, view from above.

US Navy Engineman Third Class Aaron Richter stands a reflash watch in a berthing compartment during a general quarters drill on board USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) on the aircraft carrier's last day on station in the Persian Gulf during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

021120-F-1443F-012. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Squad of US marines in action in ruined building

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Eric Nilsson, from Greenville, South Carolina, a forward air controller assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) coordinates an open-door extract with a UH-1Y Venom during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Observation Point Sunkist (OP Sunkist), Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California, Oct. 4, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl Joseph Gardner, distribution specialist, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, poses for a picture during a HQBN field exercise, MCBH, Jan. 9, 2024. The FEX was a week-long event conducted in order to increase combat readiness, unit morale and camaraderie.

Spec ops police officer SWAT in black uniform on the street.

U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs), U.S. Army Green Berets from 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos conduct close quarters combat training aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Cypress (WLB 210), to strengthen interoperability with and develop skills in an extreme Arctic environment in Kodiak, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024, during Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate the Commands ability to conduct Globally Integrated Layered Defenses in the Arctic. Navy

U.S. Soldiers assigned to B Battery, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Field Artillery Squadron, load the M777 Howitzer during a live fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 6, 2024. 2nd Cavalry Regiment provides V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe, with combat-credible forces capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater to defend the NATO alliance. Army

Spec ops police officers SWAT in black uniform and face mask, studio shot.

Police counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics forces tactical group, SWAT team hiding behind ballistic shield, aiming with weapons and trying reflect gunfire during hostage rescue, close quarters situation. SWAT team members covering with ballistic shield

KEKAHA, Hawaii (Jan. 30, 2024) Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice Shaun Rivers fires an M4 service rifle during gun qualification sustainment training at the indoor shooting range on Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, Kekaha, Hawaii. PMRF is the world's largest instrumented multi-domain range, capable of supportingsurface, subsurface, air, and space operations simultaneously.

Pair of soldiers disembarking from their military kayak under the cover of darkness.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Louis Earls, 82nd Airborne Division jumpmaster, looks out of a C-17 Globemaster III during Battalion Mass Tactical Week, Jan. 23, 2023. BMTW provides an opportunity for Fort Braggs Third Brigade combat team soldiers to train in personnel drops and joint aircraft inspections in preparation for future deployments.

An Expert Field Medical Badge student protects his patient during a simulated bomb blast as an observer (left) watches. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers from various countries competed in the "Mogadishu" section of the 2022 European Best Sniper Competition in the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, August 8, 2022. 36 sniper teams from 18 Allied and partner countries compete head-to-head for the title of Best Sniper Team in Europe across eight days.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brandon Williams, a Pocaotella, Idaho native, CH-53E Super Stallion Crew Chief, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 366, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, fires a mounted M2A1 .50-caliber machine gun on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 31, 2022. HMH-366 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on CH-53E Super Stallion to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

Nuclear post-apocalypse survivors in tatters and gas mask on the ruins of a destroyed city.

Sniper team searching for targets from a building rooftop at night.

020311-F-2021H-008. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Frogman with complete diving gear and weapons in the water. Frogman with weapons

hunting, war, army, technology and people concept - close up of young soldier or sniper holding gun with virtual screen projection and aiming in forest

Nuclear post-apocalypse. Survivors in tatters and gas mask on the ruins of the destroyed city. Nuclear post-apocalypse survivors

Spec ops police officer SWAT with ballistic shield.

A U.S. Marine with the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to conduct a free fall insertion over Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. This was one of multiple training events during a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Interoperability Course which provided an evaluation from the Expeditionary Operations Training Group in combining elements of a MAGTF during the intermediate training phase of the 26th MEU pre-deployment training program.

SWAT team officers protecting themselves behind ballistic shield as they move through a firefight.

Firefighters with Camp Kinser Fire Station, Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services, check for casualties during a training scenario on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. Camp Kinser Fire Station and Urasoe Fire Department conducted bilateral training during exercise Constant Vigilance in order to strengthen their capability to jointly respond to crises.

A technician adjusts his chemical warfare gear while participating in Sidewinder II exercises. Subject Operation/Series: SIDEWINDER II Base: Amsterdam Country: Holland / Netherlands (HOL)

A unit patch from the French 3rd Regimental Marine Infantry worn by a French marine during a bilateral training event with U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in Vannes, France, July 7, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

A soldier from the 1ST Battalion, 104th Infantry, aims a tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missile launcher mounted on top of an M-998 multi-purpose wheeled vehicle in an indoor target range during exercise Golden Thrust '88. Subject Operation/Series: GOLDEN THRUST '88 Base: Fort Devens State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldier of the 3rd Battalion, Fiji Infantry Regiment engages opposing forces in the jungle of the Nausori Highlands, as part Situational Training Exercise (STX) lanes, observed by members of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, during Exercise Cartwheel, Nadi, Fiji, September 20, 2022. Bilateral military-to-military training with the RFMF builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

A US Marine Scans Nearby Buildings for Hidden Weapons, Haditha, Iraq

Members of Btry. D, 2nd Bn., 14th Artillery Regt., load an M-198 155mm howitzer during a combined arms exercise. Country: Unknown

Ugly burnt face of futuristic Nazi soldier wearing a steel helmet.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2012) Ensign Cris Forero, a student at Naval Survival Training Institute (NSTI), lights a night flare after a day-long water survival course. NSTI is a component of Navy Medicine Operational Training Center and Navy Medicine Education and Training Command and provides safe, relevant and effective aviation survival training to thousands of service members. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

Nuclear post apocalypse. Studio shot of survivor in tatters. studio shot of nuclear survivor

Low angle view of SWAT police special forces operators hiding behind ballistic shield.

A member of the 174TH Security Police Squadron, New York Air National Guard, armed with a 7.62mm M60 general purposed machine gun, attempts to breach the perimeter through a wooded area, as he plays the role of the aggressor, during the Base Defense "Phase II" portion of the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). The photograph is intended time lapsed photography. Base: Syracuse State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 51st Infantry Regiment, prepare to breach a room during a simulated bilateral search while participating in Exercise Keen Sword 2023 on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 13, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined command and control capabilities and lethality developed between Marine Corps Installations Pacific, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training demonstrates the U.S. military and JSDF interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Silhouette of special forces with rifle in action during raid crossing river in the jungle waist deep in the water. Crossing river in jungle

An explosive ordnance disposal technician with Marine Forces Special Operations Command conducts sensitive site exploitation during a training event June 18, 2022. The EOD primer tests all aspects of a technicians knowledge and expertise needed to perform as the only tech on a Marine Special Operations Team while operating in austere, politically sensitive, or hostile environments. EOD technicians assigned to MARSOC have completed Marine Special Operations Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 1, which trains Fleet Marine Force EOD technicians in the knowledge and skills required to support the core tasks assigned to MARSOC as a special operations capability specialist.

Studio shot of SWAT police special forces hiding behind ballistic shield.

US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Robert J. Horton, with Kilo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/2, mounts a .50 caliber machine gun on a 5 ton truck during Supporting Arms Coordination Exercise, Joint Task Force Exercise 1-98, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. Subject Operation/Series: JTFEX 1-98 Base: Vieques Island State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter airlifts a bulldozer into a mountain-top fire support base construction site. The CH-53 is being guided in by members of a 3rd Marine Division construction team. Country: Viet Nam (VNM)

Geared-up male airsoft player walking through yellow smoke

PFC Craig Keiser of the 82nd Airborne is a M-60 machine gunner and also a policeman during Exercise Reforger '82. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '82 Base: Wertheim Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

Paintball, target practice or male with gun in shooting game playing with on war battlefield mission. Army training or focused soldier with weapons gear in survival military challenge competition

A U.S. Marine chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, sprays a vehicle with specialized fluid during a decontamination training event during Potomac Restore, a regimental exercise, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 7, 2022. This portion of Potomac Restore was utilized to enhance Marines and Sailors experience in recognizing and defending against simulated CBRN attacks.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Adrian U. Weldon, a corpsman with Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, sweeps the hallways of the Aynak School in Afghanistan in preparation for a medical engagement July 24, 2010. Corpsmen and Marines partnered with Afghan physician Dr. Abdul Bari to treat more than 60 local Afghans during the three-hour event. I enjoyed myself,” Weldon said. I always enjoy helping people out. Seeing the look on the kids faces when you help them with their problems is a highlight.”

U.S. Marine in Blizzard

Studio shot of SWAT police special forces with pistol hiding behind ballistic shield.

A U.S. Marine with Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, gives a hand and arm signal during less-than-lethal training as part of exercise Southern Jackaroo 22 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia May 24, 2022. The less-than-lethal training involved a combat scenario using simunition rounds and transitioned to a mass casualty scenario where the injured role-players were assessed, treated and then transported to a higher echelon of care.

Paintball, rock hand sign or man in a shooting game playing on a fun battlefield with pride. Success, war winner or soldier with weapon or gun for in celebration of winning survival competition

serious man in military style with weapon

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